Young Guinevere is living at the court of Gwynedd, where her aunt Alyse is Queen. Her mother, a Queen in her own right, died in childbirth, leaving Guinevere alone. When she was born, a local witch prophecized that she one day would wed a great King and become the highest lady in Britain. Guinevere has never particularly liked that prophecy, and does not put much stock in it. At seven, when her father the King died, she was sent to her aunt to learn court etiquette and complete her education. Now thirteen, Guinevere has not yet blossomed into a young woman, unlike her cousin Elaine, who cannot wait to get married. Unlike her cousin, Guinevere would rather wear boys' clothes and ride her horse out in the forest, though she does like her studies.
During one of the rides, she meets Llyr, a member of the tribe that lives in the hills, outside of the kingdom. Llyr reveals that the prophecy is real, and that the hill people have been guarding her since her birth. As a result of these revelations, Llyr is exiled from his community, since he shared a secret that was not his.
King Pellinore, Alyse's husband, has brought his men and they joined young King Arthur's army in his campaign against the Saxons. During his absence, Queen Alyse runs the kingdom. Since the beginning of spring, cattle and lambs have been stolen out of the King's fields, and no one seems to know who is responsible. Queen Alyse tasks the house guard's second in command, Marcus, to investigate in secret.
Sir Darric, the youngest son of one of King Pellinore's earls, comes to visit Gwynedd, and brings several men with him. Offering his services to Queen Alyse, he promises to catch the thieves who have been cattle rustling. Elaine is instantly attracted to Sir Darric, but Guinevere finds him dark and slimy.
As Marcus investigates, he realizes that Sir Darric is behind the cattle stealing, and he plans on overthrowing Queen Alyse and taking control of the kingdom of Gwynedd before Pellinore comes back. With Sir Darric putting the final pieces of his plan in place, Guinevere, Marcus, and Llyr can stop this coup, but they will need to risk their lives!
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